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I think I'm going to leave the coolant as-is for the next 23,000 miles then change it again with dealer fluid and dealer additive. After reading more, I'm also going to quickly prioritize repairing the broken engine ground strap I found in November when I was underneath, and make sure I get my oil changed more frequently (3000 instead of 4000ish miles). Seems having old fluids and broken grounds will accelerate head gasket problems. I think my coolant is ok, though, and my head gaskets seem to be holding up ok on this car. Thanks everyone for your help! If anyone is reading this, in the future, I found great information on this forum here --> http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/topic/142786-2007-outback-25-sohc-head-leaking-oil/?hl=ej253&do=findComment&comment=1199687 subnz Advanced Member Members 102 posts Glenorchy New Zealand Posted 06 December 2013 - 02:11 AM One of the problems with Subaru boxer engines is that because they're in a flat configuration the oil and water in their engines stay in contact with gaskets etc continuously as compared to upright and V6/8 configured engines where this (oil / water is able to partially drain away) If oil/water isn't changed regularly the contaminants "eat away" at gaskets etc over time that is why its important to change oil at 3000miles and flush cooling system (every 2 years - this is recommended in the owner manual.) As you've mentioned the cam cover gaskets are/can be notorious for leaking as well. Its also important to replace 2 cam / crank seals when replacing cam belt The head gasket issue for earlier EJ251 was for both for water / oil external leaks. and some internal where the even earlier EJ25D was notorious for internal leaks. Am assuming your engine EJ253 (SOHC) wasn't noted for headgasket issues like the previous two earlier engines I've just mentioned as they had resolved? the inferior headgasket problem. Am posting 2 links that discuss this fully http://allwheeldrive...lems-explained/ http://allwheeldrive...lained-part-ii/

I used to have a Japanese-built Impreza 2.2 from 1997. Those didn't have the head gasket issues of the 2.5 liter engines. I loved that 2.2 engine. Great little car, still on the road because I know the family whose kid I sold it to.

Thank you for putting my mind at ease regarding the compatibility of the coolants. I'm not sure whether to pursue this with them or not, but I might. I just don't *know* exactly what's in it now, and I like to know what's in my car. Honestly I'm on the fence as to whether I'm going to let them change the oil on any of my cars ever again. Fool me once, fool me twice, shame on you and all that . . . . Thanks for the help guys!

They saved my coolant and poured it back in, and just added a half quart of their coolant. I *think*. They weren't too specific and I'm not sure I can totally trust what they're telling me. Mine was never long-life stuff. It was the green Subaru coolant that the dealer put in. Normal green coolant.

Hi everybody! I could use some advice . . . . . After my oil change the Valvoline guys had trouble getting my hood closed, and used a screwdriver to push down the hood-release cable. (it was sticking) Yes, they put the screwdriver through something they shouldn't have I had *just* had the coolant changed at the Subaru dealership because I'm aware of the typical head gasket issues. Mine is a 2006 EJ253, so I think it's low-risk, but it still pays to be cautious. So what was in my cooling system was the right stuff with the right additive (official Subaru stop-leak). Valvoline pulled off my radiator before realizing they actually had stabbed the air conditioning exchanger. So I've got my original radiator. I was *very specific* I didn't want any of their coolant in my car, but they topped it off with their product (probably XEREX) when they reassembled. * Is this going to be ok? They say Valvoline supplies Subaru's coolant. If that's the case, why shouldn't I just have them do it (giving them a bottle of the official additive to mix in) rather than pay 3x as much at the dealership? But if the Valvoline XEREX coolant isn't the right stuff, I'll probably be continuing to go to the dealer for that. My immediate concern is that I don't want the Subaru coolant/additive to react badly with the XEREX and plug my radiator or heater core. My long-term concern is that I want to not have to do a head gasket job on this car for a very long time if possible. Looking for some good advice from those who know these things! Thank you ~Nicole